by Nadine Briggs

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and it’s a time for mothers everywhere to be appreciated for all that they do for the family. Holidays that are not kid-oriented present a great opportunity to practice perspective taking skills. Kids who have social difficulty often have a hard time thinking of another’s point of view. Having a day that is all about mom gives them a chance to think about what she would enjoy and put their own needs aside.

When I asked the kids this week if they had plans for their moms on Mother’s Day, not surprisingly, many did not. All the kids acknowledged how much their moms do for them, though, and they agreed that Mom should be treated special this weekend. Dads and other family members can help kids brainstorm about what their mom might enjoy on this special day.

7 simple tips that kids can do for Mother’s Day

1. Create a spa atmosphere – Clean the tub, place candles all around, add a portable speaker with some relaxing music, throw in bubble bath or baby oil, and draw a bath for mom to relax.
2. Detail her car (my personal favorite) – Wash the outside, vacuum the rugs and use a spray cleaner on all the inside and wash the windows inside and out. Make that mom-mobile shine!
3. Cards with Compliments – create a card that states specifically why she is a great mom. Compliments that have details like “you’re a great mom because you always have great ideas to problems” are more meaningful than just saying “you’re a great mom”. If you have several compliments, write them on notes and place them all over the house.
4. Favorite Memory – give Mom a card that has a favorite memory of a time that you spent together with details. Grab the family photo albums and sit with her as you remember together.
5. Create a Mom slideshow – using fun photos of the family, create a slideshow to watch as a family.
6. Gopher for the day – offer to get her whatever she needs for the day.
7. Clean the garage – or any part of the house that doesn’t get cleaned too often.

This one day each year, mothers everywhere are celebrated, as they should be, and kids have an opportunity to practice the important social skill of perspective taking. Happy Mother’s Day!

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